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What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is a condition that occurs as a result of inflammation or compression of the hip muscle called the piriformis. The piriformis muscle is located between the hip joint and the pelvis and extends from the hip joint towards the thigh. Inflammation or compression of this muscle can affect the surrounding nerves, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hips, back, and legs. Piriformis syndrome can usually occur due to reasons such as sitting for a long time, excessive exercise, blows to the hip area or muscle strain. Diagnosis can be made by physical examination based on typical symptoms, and imaging tests (for example, magnetic resonance imaging) may be used to support the diagnosis.
What are the Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome usually increases with activity and decreases with rest. Treatment usually aims to reduce pain, relieve muscle spasms and increase muscle flexibility. At MSM Clinic, we take a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of piriformis syndrome.
Symptoms of this syndrome usually include:
- Hip pain: A pain is felt especially near or behind the hip, sometimes radiating along the thigh.
- Numbness and tingling: There may be a numbness, tingling or burning sensation felt in the hip, thigh or leg.
- Forced or restricted movement: Restriction in hip movements may be felt, especially when sitting or climbing stairs.
- Pain while sitting or walking: Pain may be felt especially after sitting or standing for a long time.
- Low back pain: Tightness of the piriformis muscle can cause pain in the lower back or lumbar area.
Treatment options may include physical therapy, muscle-relaxing exercises, manual therapy, acupuncture, steroid injections and pain management techniques. By creating an individual treatment plan for each patient, we focus on relieving symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.
More advanced cases may require surgical intervention, but this is generally preferred in rare cases. We work with our expert team to maximize the health and comfort of our patients.
What is the Treatment Process of Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome treatment and precautions aim to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. At MSM Clinic, we adopt the following approaches to effectively treat piriformis syndrome:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Rest and activity modifications are recommended if triggered by overuse or certain activities. Avoiding certain movements or changing activities may help reduce symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy includes exercise programs to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and correct posture. Physical therapists help reduce pain and improve function by creating a patient-specific exercise regimen.
- Muscle Relaxing Exercises: Exercises to relax the piriformis muscle can help relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain. These exercises are guided by physiotherapists or specialist exercise therapists.
- Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques can help relax muscles, relieve muscle spasms, and reduce pain. These techniques may include massage, manipulation, and mobilization.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat and cold applications can help relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain. Warm showers, hot towel applications or ice packs may be used.
- Steroid Injections: Steroid injections can relieve pain and inflammatory symptoms by reducing inflammation. These injections are administered by a specialist doctor.
- Posture and Posture Training: Maintaining correct posture and posture is important for maintaining muscle balance and reducing stress. Symptoms can be controlled by giving patients posture and stance training.
To prevent piriformis syndrome, it is important to exercise regularly, maintain the flexibility and strength of the muscles, lift heavy loads with correct techniques and avoid sitting positions for long periods of time. Additionally, resting regularly and varying activity can help prevent overload.
